Is XYplorer better than Midnight Commander?

XYplorer ranks higher in our list of file managers (#5 against #6, score 87.0 against 86.0), but the gap is small and the better choice depends on what you need. Midnight Commander is best for: terminal users who want two panes for copying files. XYplorer is best for: Windows users who want a portable dual-pane manager.

Which is cheaper, Midnight Commander or XYplorer?

Midnight Commander: Free GNU GPL software installed from package managers. XYplorer: Paid license from $34.95; 30-day free trial.

Do Midnight Commander and XYplorer run on the same platforms?

Midnight Commander supports Linux, macOS, Command line. XYplorer supports Windows.

Comparison · File managers

Midnight Commander vs XYplorer: which is better in 2026?

Midnight Commander86.0#6 in best file managers

XYplorer87.0#5 in best file managers

XYplorer ranks higher in our list of file managers (#5 against #6, score 87.0 against 86.0), but the gap is small and the better choice depends on what you need.

How we rank Share

86.0
Editorial score
87.0
3
Platforms
1
Yes
Free to use
No
Yes
Open source
No

Which should you choose?

Choose Midnight Commander if you want

Terminal users who want two panes for copying files.

A free dual-pane file manager that runs in a terminal on Linux, macOS and BSD under the GNU GPL. It is the only text-mode dual-pane tool in this list, and it has no native desktop window.

Choose XYplorer if you want

Windows users who want a portable dual-pane manager.

A portable Windows replacement for Explorer with dual panes and tabs. Its trial is fully functional for 30 days, and the Standard license costs $34.95 per user.

The main differences

Only Midnight Commander runs on Linux.
Only XYplorer runs on Windows.
Only Midnight Commander runs on macOS.
Midnight Commander is open source; XYplorer is not.
Midnight Commander can be used for free; XYplorer requires payment.

Side by side

	Midnight Commander	XYplorer
Score	86.0	87.0
Rank in list	#6 of 10	#5 of 10
Price	Free and open sourceFree GNU GPL software installed from package managers	PaidPaid license from $34.95; 30-day free trial
Free to use	Yes	No
Open source	Yes	No
Platforms	LinuxmacOSCommand lineLinux, macOS, Command line	WindowsWindows
Made by	Not stated	Not stated
Layout	Dual-pane, text mode	Dual panels, tabs
Best for	Terminal users who want two panes for copying files	Windows users who want a portable dual-pane manager
Strengths	Free GNU GPL software, per the project site Two panes for copying and comparing files	Portable version that runs without installation Fully functional 30-day trial
Limits	Text-mode interface with a learning curve No native desktop window	Paid license after the trial ends Windows only
Links	Visit site	Visit site

Questions about Midnight Commander vs XYplorer

Is XYplorer better than Midnight Commander?: XYplorer ranks higher in our list of file managers (#5 against #6, score 87.0 against 86.0), but the gap is small and the better choice depends on what you need. Midnight Commander is best for: terminal users who want two panes for copying files. XYplorer is best for: Windows users who want a portable dual-pane manager.
Which is cheaper, Midnight Commander or XYplorer?: Midnight Commander: Free GNU GPL software installed from package managers. XYplorer: Paid license from $34.95; 30-day free trial.
Do Midnight Commander and XYplorer run on the same platforms?: Midnight Commander supports Linux, macOS, Command line. XYplorer supports Windows.